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Trump's Golan Decision Is Moral and Strategic
(Wall Street Journal) Sen. Lindsey Graham - President Trump's decision to formally recognize the Golan Heights as part of Israel is strategically wise and morally important. Israel secured the Golan Heights in 1967 after the Six-Day War, a defensive conflict Israel fought in response to attacks from Syria and other Arab nations. Since then, the Golan has been a critical part of Israel's defenses. Rewarding Syria for attacking Israel in 1967 and again in 1973 would dramatically change the cost-benefit calculations of other expansionist dictators. When a state decides whether to invade a neighbor, it has to take account of the risk that it will lose land. If the Golan Heights are returned, it tells invaders that territory they lose will eventually be given back - a recipe for more aggression. Unfortunately, there exists the possibility that the decision could be undone by a future president. To guard against that possibility, Congress should immediately vote on legislation putting both chambers on record in support of the new policy on the Golan.